Note: Thanks to all who have reviewed! Please know that I am always happy to return the favor! For all you Sam fans out there; don't worry, our favorite Hobbit will prevail in the end! Happy writings and keep looking for updates!!
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Ch. 5
"Samwise!" Hamfast Gamgee called from the other side of the door. Sam's hand jerked back from the door handle in surprise. Recovering his wits quickly, Sam pulled open the round door. The Gaffer stood in the door way, his large frame towering over the ever shrinking Sam who stood before him.
"A...afternoon, Da." Sam greeted, stepping aside to allow his father to enter Bag End. Hamfast glanced down at his youngest son, as he securely closed the door behind him. "W...what are ya doin' here? I...I thought you was gonna be at the Cotton's all day?"
"I was." The Gaffer answered, taking a step further into the front hall. "Thought I'd come by and see how you were doin' on your own." His forced smile disappeared. "Now I can see that it was a mistake leavin' you alone." Not knowing that Frodo was in the kitchen, listening to everything, Hamfast advanced on his son, backing him into a corner.
"Da, I was...was just..." Sam sputtered out. He couldn't complete his sentence.
"Ya were socializing again, weren't ya?" Hamfast demanded. Sam quivered.
"No, Da! I was...was makin' lunch." Sam drew in a quick breath. "For...for Mr. Frodo." He added.
"I'm sure." The Gaffer said, noticing a small piece of meat in the corner of Sam's mouth. "And this came from working in the garden, right?" Sam stared in horror as his father reached out and took the piece of dried meat from his lip.
"Da, I was..." But he didn't get a chance to continue. The Gaffer leaned in close to Sam's face and spoke in a low, serious voice. He placed one of his large, work-worn hands on Sam's shaking shoulder.
"Don't think we won't discuss this later." He threatened. With those final words, Hamfast straightened up, gave Sam a little push back wards and turned to leave.
Frodo, who had been watching the whole thing from the safety of the kitchen, ducked back as the older hobbit passed by. Before exiting, the Gaffer turned back to Sam. Frodo held his breath.
"For the last time, Samwise Gamgee; Master Frodo Baggins is your employer and you are in his service. Don't forget that." After one last glance, Hamfast Gamgee turned his back on his son and left Bag End.
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Sam shook his head. He knew what kind of talk him and his father would have. A long lecture about how Sam needs to get his priorities in order and how socializing with his betters will never feed a family. He only hoped that he wasn't so upset that he would...would...
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Frodo slowly walked back to the table and sat down. He had met Hamfast Gamgee over 13 years ago, when he first came to visit Bilbo here at Bag End. He was a gruff hobbit who always gave short, respectful answers. Though requested many times from Bilbo, Hamfast refused to call him anything but Mister or Sir, and taught his children the same. Frodo had always notice how he would come down so hard on Sam, though Sam was his youngest and most dedicated son.
Sam's older brothers had gone off to live their own lives and raise their own families. His older sister, Daisy and May were off working their own jobs as seamstresses and Marigold was too young to work and stayed mainly at the Cottons', playing with their children. Sam was the only one who put all his heart into gardening and would one day, take over the gardening of Bag End.
Frodo's heart felt heavy. Here he was, threatening Sam with talking to his Gaffer, who Frodo knew was already not pleased with the previous day's events and now he's in even more trouble! How could he say such things to his friend? A wave of guilt washed over him as he put his head down on the table. He felt so...so...
"M...Mr. Frodo, sir?" A soft, gentle voice asked. Frodo's heart hurt again. He couldn't bring him self to raise his head. "Mr. Frodo? Are you alright sir?" A rough hand rested on his arm. It was shaking slightly. Frodo slowly lifted his head and looked up at his friend. Sam's face was still a bit pale and his shoulders were hunched forward in a sign of sadness or shame.
"I'm fine, Sam." Frodo sighed. Sam looked worriedly at him.
"I...I best be getting back to the garden sir, if that's alright?" Sam asked, knowing his father would be waiting outside for him to come out and get back to his chores. Frodo simply nodded. It took much for him to do that. Poor, dear Sam! He kept thinking to himself. His poor, dear Sam.
"If you need anything, Mr. Frodo, I'll just be outside. I'll be back to make dinner later." Frodo nodded again as Sam slowly turned to leave.
"Sam," Frodo suddenly called out. Sam whirled around and stared worriedly at his master. "Sam, I...I want to say...I'm sorry." Frodo whispered, raising his head from the safety of the table. His eyes were red and puffy again.
"I...I don't understand, Mr. Frodo?" Sam said. If anyone should be apologizing, it should have been him.
"I shouldn't have pushed you so hard. Take the rest of the day off if you wish. You've earned it." Sam was shocked. He couldn't understand what was going on with Frodo.
"Thank you, sir." Sam said humbly, bowing his head to hide his pink cheeks. "I truly appreciate it but I have much work to do before the sun goes down."
"As you wish, Sam." And with that, Frodo heaved himself up from the chair and walked out of the kitchen, towards his room. Sam watched him as he turned the corner and disappeared down one of the many passages of Bag End.
Out in the garden, Sam's mind was only on one thing; what had bothered Frodo so much? He knew he was upset about his parents but his spirits had been lifted when they sat down for lunch. It wasn't until after his Gaffer had left that Frodo had gotten upset again. Could that have been it? Could Frodo have been upset about the Gaffer coming over? But Frodo hadn't seen the Gaffer. He had stayed in the kitchen the entire time...hadn't he?